Metro Extension - West
When the Metro extension is complete in 2021 passengers will benefit from step-free access to popular attractions including Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall.
The Birmingham Westside Metro Extension will take users from Hagley Road through Birmingham City Centre to the Jewellery Quarter. The first phase of construction was between Grand Central and Centenary Square, past Birmingham’s historic Town Hall. The extension provides West Midlands Metro stops serving Victoria Square, Paradise and Arena Central developments at the redeveloped Centenary Square.
The huge increase in the number of vehicles travelling into Birmingham city centre over the last decade has led to longer commutes for many people using public transport as their preferred method of travel. The Westside Metro Extension aims to improving accessibility to and from the West Birmingham, supporting growth by linking jobs and people whilst also reducing journey times and reducing congestion.
In addition to this, the Westside Metro Extension will provide environmental benefits, such as improved air quality and reduction in noise. It will also be the first in the UK to operate on battery power for a short section, avoiding intrusive overhead cables.
The Midland Metro Alliance is working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands to construct the Metro extension. When the Metro extension is complete in 2021, passengers will benefit from step-free access to popular attractions including Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall. Phase one of construction is now complete – the metro now stops at the Library.